LA CROSSE, WI - Do you remember the old Publishers Clearing House program that surprised homeowners with enormous checks?
Well, it is still “a thing” (although it operates under a different name) and it was used to defraud an elderly couple of over $400k.
But thankfully, justice was eventually served.
Malcolm Sterling, 27, has been sentenced to prison after admitting his role in a sophisticated sweepstakes fraud scheme that financially crippled an elderly couple.
“The scam targeted a married couple in their 70s over eight months, with scammers falsely claiming they had won Publisher's Clearing House and Mega Millions prizes but needed to pay taxes and fees upfront. The victims sent $361,200 in cash, purchased $16,322 in gift cards, and had $53,733 withdrawn without authorization from their checking account," local media reported.
Believing the promises, the victims lost more than $431,000 through cash payments, gift card purchases, and unauthorized withdrawals from their bank account.
Sterling was recently sentenced to three years behind bars, followed by three years of extended supervision. He’s also required to pay a share of more than $450,000 in restitution, with the financial responsibility divided among his crew involved in the massive fraud case.
Another co-defendant was sentenced in May, a third has a hearing next month, and the other two have not yet been arrested but have warrants out.
Fraud in the United States
Fraud is more prevalent than people realize. According to authorities, Americans lose well over $10 billion annually to fraud, with losses continuing to rise as criminals become more sophisticated.
Older Americans are disproportionately targeted because they often have retirement savings, own their homes, and are viewed by scammers as more trusting or isolated.
Fraud schemes range from sweepstakes and lottery scams to romance scams, investment fraud, tech support schemes, and callers posing as government officials or financial institutions.
The criminals behind it all take weeks or even months building trust before convincing victims to hand over money. And once the funds are sent, they are rarely recovered. Tragically, some never fully recover financially, forcing them to postpone retirement plans or rely on family members for support.
Anti-fraud advocates continue to warn the public that education remains one of the strongest defenses against fraud. Being asked to pay fees upfront is a clear red flag, and any request for payment through cash, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards should immediately raise suspicion.
Law enforcement officials know firsthand that true criminals don’t have empathy and have no reservations about taking your hard-earned money. Don’t let them win!
For scams targeting seniors, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
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